Self-Care ideas for Rainy Days

Not everyone thrives all year round, so taking care of yourself and getting some self-care in is essential.

Some of us thrive in the Summer months, with the sun powering us through the day into a lazy evening watching the sunset.

Others thrive in cooler and colder weather, and can’t wait for Autumn and Winter to come around and for it to be dark by 3pm.

I’m one of those people who loves the sun. I’m not sure if it’s because I lived in Spain for so long, or if I’ve always preferred the sun. Either way, I can struggle a little in Winter when it’s simply too wet or cold to be outside just watching the world go by.

To combat this, I make sure I know how to take care of myself and turn rainy days into a day of indoor self care. Living in the UK rainy days can happen all year round, so it’s been even more important since moving back.

Self-care for rainy days

It’s not uncommon to see people online mention they have SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder – which is described as “depression associated with late autumn and winter” and it’s thought to be caused by lack of light.

I don’t believe I have SAD, but I do feel less motivated in the colder months. Since I don’t have SAD, I’m not claiming these are cures for SAD but I do hope you find something that helps if you do have it. Maybe drop some ideas down below for others?

Snuggle day

Sometimes we all need a day on the sofa watching our favourite movies back to back with a pizza and chocolate, and that’s okay! Winter and Autumn is the perfect time to do this.

Whether you do this on your own, with a pet, or with the family. I always feel better after a day of indulgence in the winter. It’s like recharging your batteries. It needs to be done one way or another and what better way than with a pizza?

Yoga

Not everyone can get a full snuggle day in. Yoga is a great way to get a little recharge session in before work.

I know a lot of people don’t think they have the patience for Yoga, but don’t dimiss it until you’ve tried it! It can help an array of physical aches and pains, and lighten your mood too.

It doesn’t need to be a 45-minute session for it to make a difference. You can do as little as 3 to 5 minutes if that’s all you have time for. As long as those 3 to 5 minutes are 100% in the moment and you’re connecting with your body, it’s just as useful as an hour-long Yoga session.

I also believe Yoga is a great way to get in some exercise if you struggle to do more traditional activities for whatever reason. You can do Yoga sitting, laying down, or standing up.

Have a bath

If you don’t have a bath or can’t use one, change that for shower. When I’m feeling particularly unmotivated or low, a nice hot shower always makes me feel better.

If I had a bath, I would probably have a bath and read a book. Since I’d have to drive 45 minutes to my mums’ house I take the shower option.

I try to always use some nice-smelling body wash. I’ve currently got the Mermazing body wash from Imperial Leather and it smells amazing. I also try to put a hair mask on. If not I just leave the conditioner in twice as long.

Baking

If you’re able to, try your hand at baking something.

It doesn’t have to be anything particularly fancy or new. Just a regular sponge cake or even a loaf of bread.

I find baking relaxing and almost like meditation. It brings me back down into the moment if I’m particularly stressed, and there is nothing better than having a house full of the smell of freshly baked goods!

Plus, you get to eat whatever you’ve made, that’s a reason to bake right there!

Listen to a podcast

It’s easy to feel down if you’re watching that show that’s been repeated more times than the earth has gone around the sun, it’s cold and dingy and wet outside, and it looks like the weather is going to get worse.

Change your activity, and listen to a podcast while you do it. I often start by folding socks and finding their pairs. It’s not the most exciting chore ever, but it’s easy to do while listening to the podcast.

I also love how the sock draws look afterwards!

Go outside

If it’s really bad outside, take this one with a pinch of salt.

Even in awful weather, I have to go outside to do the washing or let the chickens out. I’m obviously not out there very long. If it’s really raining the chickens aren’t let out and it’s very much a mad dash to the shed! However, it does make a difference.

I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve had some fresh air or the cold, but I always come in a little brighter than I went out.

Practice your hobby

If there is a way to practice your hobby inside, it’s a great way to pass the time on a rainy day while nurturing your soul.

It’s amazing how much we forget how good it is to have a hobby and actually practice it. One of my hobbies is blogging, and can you guess it, it’s raining while I write this!

Self-care isn’t always bubble baths and massages, but it’s not always the absolute basics either. There are multiple sides to self-care, and it’s something we should all be doing whether we suffer from our mental health or not.

2 thoughts on “Self-Care ideas for Rainy Days”

I find baking so relaxing as well! I never thought I liked it but it’s sort of like meditation for me too, in the sense that I just zone out while I’m doing it. Plus I like baking things for my family and friends 🙂